A group home for troubled teens received approval to be built near Zachary. The Baton Rouge Metro Council agreed to change the zoning Wednesday night.

Heritage Ranch will go up on more than 50 acres along Tucker Road, despite heavy opposition from neighbors.

Council members listened and debated for three hours. They debated about whether the decision should be left to the neighborhood or allowed to house a transitional facility for teens facing tough times at home and at school. The idea is to give the teens a sense of community and safety through the neighborhood environment.

An eight to three vote in favor of Heritage Ranch settled the matter.

The people behind Heritage Ranch says they'll spend the next few months raising money to pay for the land sale set in September. They hope to open in June 2011 with six teens.